Mama don't preach; let's go to the beach

My older son implored me to plan even a short trip this summer because he is "dying to get out of the Midwest."

I blathered on about going west to Montana, Oregon, Washington state or how about a national park we haven't seen, like Grand Teton or …

"Anything on the beach?" he interrupted.

This past winter was rough enough to knock the adventure out of a teenager who just wants a heavy dose of sun and shore. Even though it will eventually warm up rather nicely around here, there's nothing like a vacation at the ocean to reconstitute a young man's spirit.

For spiritual renewal via sheer beauty, Hawaii can't be beat -- and the Hawaii Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on Hawaii's Big Island is offering a special package for families. From now until Dec. 25, book the resort's Sunsational Savings package and take advantage of a third night free, plus a daily buffet breakfast. Children age 5 and younger eat free when dining with a paying adult, and children ages 6 to 12 receive a 50 percent discount on meals from the children's menu.

In addition, Sheraton Keauhou Bay participates in Starwood's newly launched Love Your Family program that includes free experiential activities throughout your stay. Expect free fun such as Dive-in Movies in the enormous multi-level Manta Ray Super Pool and Slide; stargazing to learn about astronomy and navigation in the Hawaiian culture; water volleyball and basketball games; historical walking tours; and resort scavenger hunts.

The property is atop an ancient lava flow on 22 oceanfront acres and is adjacent to an area that attracts Keauhou manta rays as a feeding ground. You can observe the mantas most evenings from the balcony of your room or from a special viewing area where manta experts answer questions and share information about the animals. Other amenities include a spa, kids' program and a luau dinner and show.

To book Sunsational Savings, log on to www.sheratonkeauhou.com or call (866) 716-8109 and request package code SUN3NF (based on availability and blackout dates).

Travelers from the Windy City should get used to Aruba's constant trade winds fairly quickly. Although not great for your perfectly coifed head, the 15-knot trade winds keep you cool and make the island a popular spot to learn wind- and kite-surfing.

Families looking for a great deal might consider the Tamarijn Aruba Family Package that allows as many as two children up to age 18 to stay, play and eat free when sharing a room with two paying adults. You'll enjoy oceanfront accommodations, Children's Camp for the 5-through-12 set and activities such pool and beach games, snorkel and tennis clinics, movies and more. If you choose the Tamarijn Aruba's Mega Family Room option, add a second separate room for a maximum of four children younger than 18 at a special discounted rate.

For details and reservations, ring (800) 554-2008 or blow over to www.tamarijnaruba.com.

SuperClubs Resorts promises affordable beach vacations for families in two tropical Caribbean locales: Curacao and the Dominican Republic. A Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free promotion allows children ages 2 to 13 to stay absolutely free -- a daily saving of $100 for a family of four, and single parents get a waiver of the usual single supplement.

SuperClubs are completely all-inclusive, meaning accommodations, all meals and snacks, premium-brand cocktails, unlimited use of all sports facilities, including equipment rental and instruction, entertainment, recreational activities and hotel taxes are included.

Families are greeted with more than $1 million in updated accommodations and amenities at Breezes Curacao, the Dutch Caribbean's first Super-Inclusive resort. There's a renovated 12,000-square-foot Kid's Club offering fantastic activities from circus workshops to local arts and crafts. Rates at the beachfront property start at $129 per adult, per night.

The recently renovated Breezes Puerto Plata offers a kids' club and a revamped spa, the largest in the Dominican Republic. Rates start at $60 per adult, per night. SuperClubs' family promotions run through Dec. 22, and a two-night minimum booking is required (all rates are land only).

For more information and reservations, visit www.superclubs.com or call (800) 467-8737.

If none of the aforementioned floats your boat, take a look at a new search tool called MyIdealBeach.com (www.myidealbeach.com). The site asks simple questions about who is traveling (families with kids, couples, friends), preferred vacation activities (snorkeling, fishing, dining, etc.) and desired hotel options (kid-friendly, all-inclusive, no passport required, etc.) and then searches more than 450 of Orbitz's top beachfront hotels in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico and South America.

See you on the beach!